Re: South – The Heritage and Community Arts Project

Voice	希望利用計劃將藝術滲入社區。透過分享社區故事，帶動年輕人思考及運用創意，將活力帶回自己的社區。 Amanda Vong 藝術教育工作者

Objective	Heritage buildings and traditional local culture serve as witnesses of Hong Kong's history and symbols of cultural identity. Conserving and passing on these elements not only enhance the sense of belonging for the present public but also allow future generations to experience and appreciate them. Thanks to the support from Urban Renewal Fund, The Warehouse Teenage Club has organized a two-year project named "Re: South – The Heritage and Community Arts Project", which aims to preserve and promote the unique historical and cultural landscape of the Southern District through diverse activities, to create an artistic and cultural space that represents the rich cultural symbols of the community, and to establish a collaborative and supportive network for revitalizing and connecting the community. With economic and urban development, the community landscape, characteristics, and social networks in the Southern District are undergoing significant changes. Therefore, it is crucial to preserve and leverage the unique and rich social and cultural values of the Southern District through the collective participation of residents. This could help to sustain the cultural significance of the community and promote community revitalization, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for the residents. As a registered charitable organization situated at the Old Aberdeen Police Station (Grade 2 Historic Building) and aims to promote youth development through arts and cultural activities, The Warehouse Teenage Club has launched a series of art and educational activities, including Community Study and Overview Publications, Community Tours in Southern District, Art in South, and Cultural Heritage Exhibition of the Southern District, so as to arouse public awareness, appreciation, and inheritance of the community uniqueness of the Southern District through the engagement of residents on conserving the cultural landscape, while revitalize the community and promote its economic development simultaneously.
Activities	Community Study and Overview Publications Learn More: https://bit.ly/3Si3H65 Youths were recruited to carry out community study in the Southern District of Hong Kong (including Aberdeen, Ap Lei Chau, and Wong Chuk Hang area) where they have conducted on-site observations and interviews of local organizations, residents, and shop owners, so as to document the living conditions, residents’ perceptions of the community, and the characteristics of the people, events, and objects in the community. The community study focuses on five main themes: “Traditional Fishery Village – Aberdeen”, “Anchor of the Fishing Community – Ap Lei Chau”, “Industrial Heydays – Wong Chuk Hang”, “Ship Factories & Kaito Ferry in the Southern District” and “Temples of Southern District”. This initiative aims to enhance the youth’s understanding of the Southern District, raise their awareness and appreciation of cultural conservation, and systematically produce a community overview using various formats such as cultural maps, booklets, stories and diaries, videos, sound recordings, sketches, and mobile app to record and preserve the valuable historical and cultural elements within the community. Community Tours in Southern District People with strong interest in the history and culture of the southern district were recruited to become cultural ambassadors. From 2019 to 2021, we organized a total of 3 phases of training classes and practicums with more than 30 sessions, in which over 60 cultural ambassadors were trained, and they planned various themed community tour routes from their site observations and data collection, and led the public to explore the southern district. The cultural ambassadors have planned 9 themed routes, including “Tracing the Footsteps of the Past”, “Exploring Local Fishery Industry Development”, “Experiencing the Charm of Local Shops”, “Discovering Urban Natural Treasures”, “Traditions and Customs”, “Accompanying the Fishery Deity (Religion)”, “Fishery and Water: Exploring the Changes of Aberdeen through the Work of Fishermen”, “Enjoying the Life of Fishermen: Exploring the Changes of Aberdeen through Clothing, Food, Housing, and Transportation”, and “One Church, One Road”. Over 40 community tours were hosted, and both local residents and first timers enjoyed a lot during the visits. Art in South Learn More: https://bit.ly/3s6MRwn Young artists are invited to submit their community art proposals that aims to engage the local residents and collectively realize their common visions and create an art and cultural space that reflects the unique cultural characteristics of the community. We have received over 40 proposals that encompass different forms of arts such as theatre performances, sound navigation, and multimedia creations. Representatives from the southern district and experienced artists have been invited as judges, and 5 proposals were selected. The activities and exhibitions showcased in the community not only explored the possibilities of space transformation and beautification of the living environment but also encouraged more residents to participate in local activities and development, enhancing their sense of belonging and community vitality. Over 160 residents have been invited to participate and contribute to the project, attracting nearly 11,000 individuals to witness the outcomes of these artistic endeavors. Shadow of Fishery by Amanda Vong Focusing on the unique fishery village culture in the southern district, the project was led by local secondary school students who engaged with the kaifong in co-creating the artwork. The artwork takes the form of clay sketches, capturing the vanishing fishing village culture on ceramic tiles. The ceramic tiles created by students and community members, along with unique objects collected from local shops, were assembled into a sail-shaped installation displayed at the Ap Lei Chau Kaito Pier. The residents who take the kaito become the most important audience for this exhibition. The translucent ceramic tiles, combined with familiar objects, allow viewers to observe the daily life of the district under the play of light and shadow. In addition to encouraging the younger generation to have a deeper understanding of the community, the project also aims to promote ceramic art creation. It aims to show that working with clay is not a complicated skill and does not require a fixed space for creation. Ceramic art creation can be accessible and easy to start for anyone interested. Radio Drama Project by tinymatters There are many ways to record history, but they all revolve around “telling stories”. Compared to traditional historical documents, tinymatters believes that “history” and “culture” are always preserved in tiny stories. These stories may be overshadowed by the grand currents of history, but the anecdotes with flesh and blood truly embody the everyday lives in different times and spaces. The southern district has its unique lifestyle and community rhythm. tinymatters hopes to collect love stories from the southern district, interview people from different eras, record their unique stories, and produce radio dramas that take residents on a journey through different decades, allowing them to experience the changes over the past few decades. Southern Blueprint by Flâneur Inspired by the faded introduction panels alongside the waterfront promenade in Aberdeen, this project aims to explore the perceptions, impressions, and imaginations of different generations living in the Southern District. It highlighted the disparities and transformations between the past and present, as well as the relationship among the place names, objects, history, and daily life. Through the ink art workshops held at The Warehouse and sampan, young artists invited residents to express their impressions of the Southern District through ink painting. They have depicted different scenes such as floating boats, small shops, parks, temples, landscapes, and more. These artworks were then combined to create a “Map of the Southern District” (abbreviated as “Southern Blueprint”) for exhibition. This proposal aims to present a collective vision, memories, and imaginations associated with the area. By showcasing collective memories, community life, and cultural symbols from different eras, the young artists hoped that this project could facilitate communication among residents, allowing the public to appreciate not only the art of ink painting but also the history of the Southern District. Furthermore, they aspire to uncover the past outlook of the Southern District, particularly the charm of its boat dwellers, and carry forward their stories and the significance of objects through artistic means. What’s Your Story by Christy Tse What is your first impression of the Southern District? Christy’s first visit to the Southern District was during her childhood when she went to Jumbo Floating Restaurant with her family. The refreshing sea breeze, the savory aroma, the serene distant mountain view, and the sparkling waves left an unforgettable memory for her. Growing up in the urban area of Kowloon, she found the charming and rugged fishery village style of the Southern District both adorable and impressive, igniting her longing for a life by the bay. In this project, Christy collected stories from different residents of the Southern District, such as third-generation fishermen, local shop owners, and young people who have recently moved to the area. These stories were then portrayed through heartfelt photographs and texts, capturing the cultural essence of this typhoon shelter. The exhibition aims to allow the elder residents to relive their fond memories of the Southern District and enable the younger generation to understand the changes and rediscover the charm of this lovely community. Aberfish by Stirring Paper This project aims to recycle waste materials from the Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau areas and transform them into community artworks, fostering closer connections among the residents. The team has set up the booths and provided woodblock stamps, fish-shaped recycled paper, and Christmas trees made from fishing nets to resonate with the residents. Through the on-site creation of postcards depicting stories from the Southern District and decorating Christmas trees, the project carried the authentic narratives of the community. After the exhibition, postcards were sent to participants, allowing everyone to share their stories and surprises. Historical and Cultural Heritage Exhibition of the Southern District The Warehouse has experienced and witnessed the changes together with the community, hence it is served as the focal point of the historical and cultural exhibition of the Southern District with the extension to the communities of Aberdeen, Ap Lei Chau, and Wong Chuk Hang. The exhibition is divided into four parts, inviting 10 youth units to plan and create, showcasing over 150 exhibits. We hope to “re-create” the regional characteristics from different perspectives. I. The History of the Old Aberdeen Police Station This section illustrated the historical development from the completion of the old Aberdeen Police Station in 1891 to its present state as The Warehouse Teenage Club, its original usage of the building, and the changes in the surrounding community. II. Architectural Features of the Old Aberdeen Police Station This section highlighted the unique architectural features and functions of this Grade II historic building, such as its red brick walls, tiled roof with wooden beam structures, wooden false ceilings, armory iron cages, and veranda designs, etc. III. Conservation of Historical Buildings and Cultural Heritage in the Southern District This section introduced distinctive and significant historical buildings in the Southern District along with their historical backgrounds. It provided an overview of the historical development of the Southern District and changes in the coastline while emphasizing the importance of cultural heritage conservation. IV. Overview of the Southern District Community and Art Creations This section integrated the outcomes of community study, showcasing the historical and cultural features of the Southern District and the fabric of community life, which aimed to present the stories of the Southern District through art creations.

Community Study and Overview Publications

Youths were recruited to carry out community study in the Southern District of Hong Kong (including Aberdeen, Ap Lei Chau, and Wong Chuk Hang area) where they have conducted on-site observations and interviews of local organizations, residents, and shop owners, so as to document the living conditions, residents’ perceptions of the community, and the characteristics of the people, events, and objects in the community.

The community study focuses on five main themes: “Traditional Fishery Village – Aberdeen”, “Anchor of the Fishing Community – Ap Lei Chau”, “Industrial Heydays – Wong Chuk Hang”, “Ship Factories & Kaito Ferry in the Southern District” and “Temples of Southern District”. This initiative aims to enhance the youth’s understanding of the Southern District, raise their awareness and appreciation of cultural conservation, and systematically produce a community overview using various formats such as cultural maps, booklets, stories and diaries, videos, sound recordings, sketches, and mobile app to record and preserve the valuable historical and cultural elements within the community.

Community Tours in Southern District

People with strong interest in the history and culture of the southern district were recruited to become cultural ambassadors. From 2019 to 2021, we organized a total of 3 phases of training classes and practicums with more than 30 sessions, in which over 60 cultural ambassadors were trained, and they planned various themed community tour routes from their site observations and data collection, and led the public to explore the southern district.

The cultural ambassadors have planned 9 themed routes, including “Tracing the Footsteps of the Past”, “Exploring Local Fishery Industry Development”, “Experiencing the Charm of Local Shops”, “Discovering Urban Natural Treasures”, “Traditions and Customs”, “Accompanying the Fishery Deity (Religion)”, “Fishery and Water: Exploring the Changes of Aberdeen through the Work of Fishermen”, “Enjoying the Life of Fishermen: Exploring the Changes of Aberdeen through Clothing, Food, Housing, and Transportation”, and “One Church, One Road”. Over 40 community tours were hosted, and both local residents and first timers enjoyed a lot during the visits.

Art in South

Learn More: https://bit.ly/3s6MRwn

Young artists are invited to submit their community art proposals that aims to engage the local residents and collectively realize their common visions and create an art and cultural space that reflects the unique cultural characteristics of the community. We have received over 40 proposals that encompass different forms of arts such as theatre performances, sound navigation, and multimedia creations. Representatives from the southern district and experienced artists have been invited as judges, and 5 proposals were selected.

The activities and exhibitions showcased in the community not only explored the possibilities of space transformation and beautification of the living environment but also encouraged more residents to participate in local activities and development, enhancing their sense of belonging and community vitality. Over 160 residents have been invited to participate and contribute to the project, attracting nearly 11,000 individuals to witness the outcomes of these artistic endeavors.

Shadow of Fishery by Amanda Vong

Focusing on the unique fishery village culture in the southern district, the project was led by local secondary school students who engaged with the kaifong in co-creating the artwork. The artwork takes the form of clay sketches, capturing the vanishing fishing village culture on ceramic tiles. The ceramic tiles created by students and community members, along with unique objects collected from local shops, were assembled into a sail-shaped installation displayed at the Ap Lei Chau Kaito Pier. The residents who take the kaito become the most important audience for this exhibition. The translucent ceramic tiles, combined with familiar objects, allow viewers to observe the daily life of the district under the play of light and shadow.

In addition to encouraging the younger generation to have a deeper understanding of the community, the project also aims to promote ceramic art creation. It aims to show that working with clay is not a complicated skill and does not require a fixed space for creation. Ceramic art creation can be accessible and easy to start for anyone interested.

Radio Drama Project by tinymatters

There are many ways to record history, but they all revolve around “telling stories”. Compared to traditional historical documents, tinymatters believes that “history” and “culture” are always preserved in tiny stories. These stories may be overshadowed by the grand currents of history, but the anecdotes with flesh and blood truly embody the everyday lives in different times and spaces. The southern district has its unique lifestyle and community rhythm. tinymatters hopes to collect love stories from the southern district, interview people from different eras, record their unique stories, and produce radio dramas that take residents on a journey through different decades, allowing them to experience the changes over the past few decades.

Southern Blueprint by Flâneur

Inspired by the faded introduction panels alongside the waterfront promenade in Aberdeen, this project aims to explore the perceptions, impressions, and imaginations of different generations living in the Southern District. It highlighted the disparities and transformations between the past and present, as well as the relationship among the place names, objects, history, and daily life.

Through the ink art workshops held at The Warehouse and sampan, young artists invited residents to express their impressions of the Southern District through ink painting. They have depicted different scenes such as floating boats, small shops, parks, temples, landscapes, and more. These artworks were then combined to create a “Map of the Southern District” (abbreviated as “Southern Blueprint”) for exhibition. This proposal aims to present a collective vision, memories, and imaginations associated with the area.

By showcasing collective memories, community life, and cultural symbols from different eras, the young artists hoped that this project could facilitate communication among residents, allowing the public to appreciate not only the art of ink painting but also the history of the Southern District. Furthermore, they aspire to uncover the past outlook of the Southern District, particularly the charm of its boat dwellers, and carry forward their stories and the significance of objects through artistic means.

What’s Your Story by Christy Tse

What is your first impression of the Southern District? Christy’s first visit to the Southern District was during her childhood when she went to Jumbo Floating Restaurant with her family. The refreshing sea breeze, the savory aroma, the serene distant mountain view, and the sparkling waves left an unforgettable memory for her. Growing up in the urban area of Kowloon, she found the charming and rugged fishery village style of the Southern District both adorable and impressive, igniting her longing for a life by the bay.

In this project, Christy collected stories from different residents of the Southern District, such as third-generation fishermen, local shop owners, and young people who have recently moved to the area. These stories were then portrayed through heartfelt photographs and texts, capturing the cultural essence of this typhoon shelter. The exhibition aims to allow the elder residents to relive their fond memories of the Southern District and enable the younger generation to understand the changes and rediscover the charm of this lovely community.

Aberfish by Stirring Paper

This project aims to recycle waste materials from the Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau areas and transform them into community artworks, fostering closer connections among the residents. The team has set up the booths and provided woodblock stamps, fish-shaped recycled paper, and Christmas trees made from fishing nets to resonate with the residents. Through the on-site creation of postcards depicting stories from the Southern District and decorating Christmas trees, the project carried the authentic narratives of the community. After the exhibition, postcards were sent to participants, allowing everyone to share their stories and surprises.

Historical and Cultural Heritage Exhibition of the Southern District

The Warehouse has experienced and witnessed the changes together with the community, hence it is served as the focal point of the historical and cultural exhibition of the Southern District with the extension to the communities of Aberdeen, Ap Lei Chau, and Wong Chuk Hang.

The exhibition is divided into four parts, inviting 10 youth units to plan and create, showcasing over 150 exhibits. We hope to “re-create” the regional characteristics from different perspectives.

I. The History of the Old Aberdeen Police Station

This section illustrated the historical development from the completion of the old Aberdeen Police Station in 1891 to its present state as The Warehouse Teenage Club, its original usage of the building, and the changes in the surrounding community.

II. Architectural Features of the Old Aberdeen Police Station

This section highlighted the unique architectural features and functions of this Grade II historic building, such as its red brick walls, tiled roof with wooden beam structures, wooden false ceilings, armory iron cages, and veranda designs, etc.

III. Conservation of Historical Buildings and Cultural Heritage in the Southern District

This section introduced distinctive and significant historical buildings in the Southern District along with their historical backgrounds. It provided an overview of the historical development of the Southern District and changes in the coastline while emphasizing the importance of cultural heritage conservation.

IV. Overview of the Southern District Community and Art Creations

This section integrated the outcomes of community study, showcasing the historical and cultural features of the Southern District and the fabric of community life, which aimed to present the stories of the Southern District through art creations.